Uses

What is Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular) used for?

Humulin 70/30® is a combination of insulin isophane and insulin regular. Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin isophane is an intermediate-acting insulin. Insulin regular is a short-acting insulin. This combination insulin starts to work within 10 to 20 minutes after injection, peaks in 2 hours, and keeps working for up to 24 hours.

Humulin 70/30® is commonly used for improve blood sugar control in adults with diabetes mellitus. It may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

You should take Humulin 70/30® with these steps:

Use Humulin 70/30® exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Insulin is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Humulin 70/30® must not be given with an insulin pump, or mixed with other insulins. Do not inject Humulin 70/30® into a vein or a muscle.

Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject Humulin 70/30®. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

After using Humulin 70/30®, you should eat a meal within 30 to 45 minutes.

If you use an injection pen, use only the injection pen that comes with Humulin 70/30®. Attach a new needle before each use. Do not transfer the insulin from the pen into a syringe.

How do I store Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

Keep Humulin 70/30® in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not draw insulin from a vial into a syringe until you are ready to give an injection. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.

Storing unopened (not in use) Humulin 70/30®:

Store the vial in a refrigerator or at room temperature and use within 31 days.

Store the injection pen at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and use within 10 days. Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached.

Humulin 70/30® should look cloudy after mixing. Do not use the mixture if it looks clear or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

Humulin 70/30® is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about using Humulin 70/30® if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your Humulin 70/30® dosage may be different during each trimester of pregnancy. Your dose may also be different while you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of insulin allergy to Humulin 70/30® such as:

Redness or swelling (where an injection was given)

Itchy skin rash over the entire body

Trouble breathing

Wheezing

Rapid pulse

Sweating

Feeling like you might pass out

Swelling in your tongue or throat

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

Humulin 70/30® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Pioglitazone (sometimes contained in combinations with glimepiride or metformin)

Oral diabetes medicines

Does food or alcohol interact with Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

Humulin 70/30® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular)?

Humulin 70/30® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

These health conditions are:

An episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

An allergic to insulin

Liver or kidney disease

Low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia)

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular).

What is the dose of Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular) for an adult?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Suggested guidelines for beginning dose.

Ketones moderate or less: 0.5 U/kg/day SC.

Ketones large: 0.7 U/kg/day SC.

Typically, 50-75% of total daily dose is given as intermediate- or long-acting insulin.

May use this combination product if the dosage ratio of NPH (isophane) to regular is 2:1.

Typically, 50-75% of total daily dose is given as intermediate- or long-acting insulin.

May use this combination product if the dosage ratio of NPH (isophane) to regular is 2:1.

Morning

Give 2/3rds of daily insulin SC

Ratio of regular insulin to NPH (isophane) insulin 1:2

Evening

Give 1/3 of daily insulin SC

What is the dose of Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular) for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Humulin 70/30® (insulin isophane and insulin regular) available?

Humulin 70/30® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Since Humulin 70/30® is used with a meal, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. Whenever you use this insulin, be sure to eat a meal within 45 minutes. Do not use extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

Keep insulin on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.